Little Rock, ARK – A Little Rock man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, following a thorough investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Edmond Quatrell Blue, 33, was arrested in June 2022 after a DEA operation uncovered his involvement in drug trafficking. Agents had been monitoring Blue’s activities at an apartment complex in Little Rock when they observed a series of suspicious exchanges. Surveillance footage showed Blue arriving at the complex and meeting another vehicle, where he exited his car and entered the back seat of the other vehicle. After briefly getting into the vehicle, Blue exited holding a McDonald’s bag before walking into an apartment.
Hours later, agents saw Blue return in a truck and enter an apartment once again. Upon leaving, he was seen carrying a duffle bag, which he placed in the truck before driving off. Authorities conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, but Blue fled the scene on foot, running through a nearby apartment complex.
During the pursuit, Blue discarded the duffle bag into a dumpster. Officers later recovered the bag, finding a large quantity of a white powdery substance. Further testing confirmed that the substance was 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl.
After a search of the complex, Blue was apprehended hiding in a vacant apartment. He was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities later confirmed that the seized fentanyl was intended for distribution, with the potential to cause widespread harm in the community.
Blue was sentenced in federal court, where he received the maximum penalty for his role in fentanyl trafficking. His conviction highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the opioid crisis and curb the illegal distribution of dangerous substances like fentanyl, which has been linked to numerous overdose deaths nationwide.